Stand Up an Extension Ladder
Extension ladders are a must have for homeowners. They allow immediate access to many areas of the home that are not easily accessible. Used improperly, however, they are extremely dangerous. Proper extension ladder setup is easy to do, takes just minutes to accomplish and will allow you greater peace of mind knowing that all safety precautions have been taken to eliminate an accidental fall.
Instructions
1. Lean the extension ladder against a wall, tree or other object to be scaled. The proper angle of the ladder to the ground is essential to ladder safety. Too steep an angle, and the ladder will tip over backward as you approach the top. Too shallow an angle, and the ladder feet will slip out from under the ladder as you approach the top.
2. Extend the ladder vertically so that you can safely reach all areas that need to be reached while you are standing 4 feet from the top of the ladder. It is easiest to extend the ladder vertically when it is almost in the vertical position (not leaning). Place one foot at the base of each ladder foot; then pull on the extension rope while leaning backward away from the ladder. Only extend as much ladder as you need to accomplish your task.
3. Check the distance between the base of the ladder and the wall. It should be about one third the length of the ladder extended. Since this measurement controls the angle of the ladder, it is a good idea to verify this measurement using a secondary method as well. Place the toes of your shoes even with the base of the ladder. While maintaining normal posture, reach for the ladder. If the angle of the ladder is correct, you should just be able to grasp a rung of the ladder. Adjust the base of the ladder again if necessary.
4. Secure the feet of the ladder once the base is properly set. Make sure they cannot slip backwards on wet ground, or slide on dry sandy surfaces. Keep the feet of the ladder clean of debris, and use the cleated section of the feet when applicable (wet grass). If additional security is needed, drive a wooden stake into the ground and secure to the bottom rung with rope.
5. Verify that the ladder is perfectly vertical when facing the wall. It should lean neither left nor right since any slight leaning tendency will only be compounded once the ladder is fully loaded. Adjust it if necessary. To prevent accidental leaning, use a piece of rope and tie the top of the ladder to any stationary fixed object (such as a chimney).
6. Check that the top and bottom of the ladder are secure, and won't move or slide when weight is applied to the ladder. If you are still unsure, secure the ladder with additional ropes to any immovable object at the top or bottom of the ladder. This will prevent any accidents in case the base of the ladder is accidentally disturbed while you are climbing it.
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